BBC to publish report into child sex probe against Jimmy Savile

LONDON (AFP) - The BBC on Wednesday intends to publish a key report into its handling of the child sex abuse claims against late presenter Jimmy Savile that plunged the broadcaster into crisis.

The Pollard report will address the corporation's decision to pull an investigation carried out in 2011 by Newsnight, its flagship news programme, into the flamboyant former DJ due to be aired after his death.

The report, written by former head of Sky News Nick Pollard, was presented to acting director general Tim Davie on Tuesday, and the broadcaster hopes to publish it in full on Wednesday, or Thursday at the latest.

The BBC denies accusations it axed the Newsnight report because it clashed with planned tributes to Savile following his 2011 death.